Migration Season (Late July to November)

Herds migrate to Northern Serengeti where they need to cross the Mara River before reaching the Maasai Mara.

Serengeti National Park should be in every Tanzania safari itinerary, as it is home to the 1.5 million wildebeest that go on their annual migration to Kenya. For most of their lives, wildebeest graze in the grassy savannas and open woodlands of the vast Serengeti plains. Following the long rain season in April and May, the 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by 400,000 zebra and 200,000 gazelles begin their annual migration in search of greener pastures. The rain takes them northwest to the Grumeti River and north to the Kogatende area of Serengeti, where they would need to cross the crocodile-infested Mara River before arriving at the Maasai Mara in Kenya. From July to November, the migration animals graze in the open plains between Northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara. In December, the herds would make their way back to Southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area. It is here that these Tanzanian natives would stay to give birth to calves in February. Many refer to this phenomenon of over 2 million animals migrating annually as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. While on a great migration safari, you can also expect to see predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas who like to follow the herds for a chance to feast.

Although animals follow a similar migration loop every year, the day-to-day movement of these migration animals can be unpredictable, as with anything in nature. Animal movement varies according to environmental factors which are closely related to the rainfall of the year. When we design your Tanzania safari itinerary, we plan according to the migration pattern based on our experience and observation from the current and previous years so you will have the best chance to witness the Greatest Spectacle on Earth.

The Four Seasons of Wildebeest Migration

Migration Season (Late July to November)

This is the season when the wildebeest follow the thunderstorms to the north. From the Western Corridor, herds migrate to Northern Serengeti where they need to cross the Mara River before reaching the Maasai Mara. It is commonly considered the peak migration season – which is true for Kenyan safaris as migrant animals are only sighted in the Maasai Mara game reserve for a few months of the year (mostly in August and September). Yet, not all herds will be in the Maasai Mara as animals tend to straddle the border as they graze the open plains of Serengeti and the Maasai Mara. The best places to see the migration is in the Kogatende and Lobo areas of Northern Serengeti.
Recommended accommodation: Bologonja Under Canvas, Sayari Camp, Lemala Mara Camp, Buffalo Luxury Camp, Serengeti Migration Camp, andBeyond Klein’s Camp, Nomad Lamai Serengeti Camp.

Calving Season (December to March)

December is the home-coming month for the migrant animals. After travelling to Kenya for their annual sojourn, the wildebeest, zebras and gazelles come home to Tanzania for Christmas and the New Year. After 8 months of gestation, pregnant wildebeest are ready to give birth to calves. This happens in Ndutu located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Southern Serengeti, mostly in February.
Recommended Accommodation: Kati Kati Tented Camp, Ang’ata Migration Camp, Chaka Camp, Masek Tented Camp, Asanja Africa Camp, Lemala Ndutu Camp, Olakira Camp, Dunia Camp, Serengeti Under Canvas, Sanctuary Kusini Camp, Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp.

Green Season (April to May)

This is the long rain season, which gives the typically dry savannah landscape a tinge of green all around. The young are growing up quickly. The migration herds are gathering in Seronera located in Central Serengeti, before embarking on their annual journey. It is the best season to travel for budget safaris as accommodation prices are heavily discounted.
Recommended Accommodation: Kati Kati Tented Camp, Chaka Camp, Lemala Ewanjan Camp, Dunia Camp, Serengeti Under Canvas.

Mating Season (June to Early July)

Following the rains in May, the migration animals are in the mood for love. The annual rut (mating season) takes place between May and July, following the rainy season, when the wildebeest can feed on lush, healthy greens. The best location to spot the migrant animals is in Western Serengeti and Grumeti game reserves.
Recommended accommodation: Serengeti Simba Lodge, Mbugani Tented Camp, Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp, Kirawira Camp, Ubuntu Camp (Western Corridor), andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp, Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Singita Faru Faru Lodge.